A focal point of the Hawk-IDDRC is a research project that focuses on translational research that bridges fundamental research and clinical projects while utilizing each of the cores of the center. The NIH is currently redesigning the IDDRC program to emphasize clinical trial readiness needs that will move the field of IDD research into areas of translational research. These projects will help prepare for a final 2-year P50 grant award, providing funding for FY2026 to FY2027. 

The purpose of this current call for Research Project Grants is to identify 2-3 projects that have the potential to develop into a research project for the newly redesigned IDDRC program. We are especially interested in studies across the lifespan and studies that include rural populations. These projects will be funded for one year, and it is expected that significant progress will be made in that year.   

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must focus on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or amelioration of intellectual and developmental disabilities  

• Must emphasize clinical trial readiness needs that will move the field of IDD research into areas of translational research and  

• Must have the potential to use each of the four cores in the Hawk-IDDRC 

• Applications can be from any college 

• Must be from 1 (or more) PIs who are either members of the Hawk-IDDRC or who could qualify for membership 

APPLICATIONS: 

• Complete the online application at: InfoReady - Applications (infoready4.com) including: Project title, Principal Investigator’s contact information, Co-PI’s information, and a non-confidential lay abstract highlighting the goal and importance of the project in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

• A one-page description of the project including: significance, scientific goals and methods, how data collected will be used in an NIH grant application, and how the study will assist in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or amelioration of intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

• A one-half page description of how the proposed project will use each of the four cores of the Hawk-IDDRC: Administrative Core, Clinical and Translational Core, Developmental Genetic/Epigenetic Core and Neurocircuitry and Behavior Core. 

• A half-page description of the budget and a budget justification.  Direct costs for research (e.g., research personnel, Hawk-IDDRC Core usage, animal care, etc.) are allowed.  Travel, tuition and faculty salary are not allowable expenses.   

• NIH biosketches for the PI and co-PI, including current funding. 

• Additional materials may be required after submission for review. 

 EVALUATION 

 Hawk-IDDRC research project grants will be evaluated on: 

• Opportunities for translational research based on fundamental research. 

• Scientific impact and approach 

• Connections with each of the cores in the Hawk-IDDRC 

• Potential to be a research project in the renewal of the Hawk-IDDRC. 

AWARDS 

• Awards will be granted for up to $25,000 each, for 1 year, $5,000 of which must be used toward core usage. 

• Awardees must report quarterly and final progress to the Hawk-IDDRC Executive Committee. 

• It is expected that these awards will lead to a project that is comparable to an NIH R01 application. 

• Previous recipients of Hawk-IDDRC pilot grant applications are eligible to apply. 

TIMELINE 

• Applications due by January 13, 2025  

• Awards will be announced February 17, 2025 and funded March 14, 2025